The most important decision to be made by the local board of education and superintendent is deciding which candidates for employment will be hired to lead the school system, teach its children and provide the support necessary to maintain the educational system. The process by which applicants become employees involves the concurrence of both the superintendent and board of education. This shared decision-making responsibility for hiring employees is the only occasion where Georgia law requires the local board and superintendent to be in agreement in order for the school system to take action. Thus, employing school personnel requires a combination of the professional judgment of the superintendent of the school district and the practical perspective of elected school board members to determine which applicants will best serve the interest of the school district.

Hiring competent employees is often not enough to ensure that quality instruction takes place. Consistent and effective evaluation of all employees is a crucial part of maintaining a quality education program. Compensating employees adequately is another important means of retaining competent and effective teachers and support staff. Evaluation and compensation are governed by state law and local board policy.